About the University Library Cafe

A Drake neighborhood institution for decades and under new management since 2012, the University Library Café offers an eclectic mix of food, beverages and customers all in a cozy, old-school, just-around-the-corner bar setting.

This is a place where you can relax with friends and enjoy hard-to-find craft beer on tap along with bottles and cans of all the national brews, plus our homemade twists on bar food.

Our drink menu is built around a selection of more than 40 craft beers on tap, anchored by a strong lineup of Iowa microbrews. Plus you’ll find all the national classics in cans and bottles. Check our current drink menu here.

Our food menu continues the eclectic theme led by our award-winning nachos. We don’t do mass-produced or run-of-the-mill. Instead you’ll find an intriguing selection of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, soups, salads and sides. Our customer-acclaimed breakfast offerings include dishes ranging from breakfast nachos to the Midwestern bacon-and-eggs staples. View the full menu here.

Our customers are as eclectic as our offerings. The University Library Café welcomes blue collar, white collar, no collar (college students!) and families who all gather to enjoy great food and drink and great times.

For a hideaway from the rush of the world, come to the University Library Café, study the beer and food menus (there’s no wrong answer!) and relax.

The University Library Café is part of the Full Court Press family of restaurants and bars. We’re always looking for great employees! Check our careers website here.

University Library Cafe

A hidden gem in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood serving up craft beer and creative homemade takes on traditional bar fare. The University Library Café offers an eclectic mix of food, beverages and customers all in a cozy, old-school, just-around-the-corner bar setting.